Leash Train Your Shih Tzu in 6 Easy Steps
When I first tried walking my Shih Tzu, it was chaos! He would sit down, refuse to move, or suddenly decide to run the opposite direction. Shih Tzus are sweet, but they can be stubborn. The good news is—leash training can be easy with the right steps and lots of love.
Here is exactly how I leash trained my Shih Tzu in 6 simple steps, and now our walks are one of the best parts of the day!
1. Introduce the Leash Indoors
Start by letting your Shih Tzu sniff the leash and wear it around inside. Keep it fun with treats and praise so they feel comfortable and excited.
I noticed that when I acted happy, my dog was much more confident and curious about this new thing!
2. Practice Short Walks at Home
Before heading outside, walk around the living room or hallway. This helps your Shih Tzu learn the feeling of being guided without distractions.
Reward every step beside you—tiny wins add up fast with leash training!
3. Teach Loose-Leash Walking
Shih Tzus may pull, but gentle guidance works better than forcing. Hold treats at your side so they follow calmly without tension.
If they pull ahead, stop and wait. They’ll learn that staying close means the walk continues.
4. Add New Environments Slowly
Once your Shih Tzu walks well indoors, try the backyard or a quiet sidewalk. Keep early walks short and positive.
New smells and sounds can be overwhelming, so celebrate bravery and patience!
5. Use Praise Over Pressure
Shih Tzus respond beautifully to kindness. Every time they walk nicely, give a treat or a cheerful “good job!”
Positive leash training builds trust and makes your dog excited for the next walk.
6. Be Consistent Every Day
Practice a few minutes daily instead of long stressful sessions. Routine helps your Shih Tzu understand what you expect.
Before long, you’ll see a confident little walker trotting proudly beside you!
Leash training your Shih Tzu is not just about walking… it’s about bonding. With patience, treats, and love, your fluffy best friend will enjoy exploring the world right by your side. Happy walking!
